🇮🇳 National News
The Central Government unveiled ₹1,500 crore modernization works at the New Mangalore Port in Karnataka during its Golden Jubilee, focusing on increasing capacity, enhancing digital systems, and improving cargo management under the Viksit Bharat vision.
- Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, launched 20 projects aimed at boosting mechanization, logistic efficiency, and environment-friendly operations.
- Prahlad Joshi emphasized their alignment with India’s broader development goals.
- The port handles 46 million tonnes of cargo every year.
- Vital for the movement of petroleum, fertilizers, coal, and containers.
- Upgrades aim to transform it into a smart, high-capacity, and sustainable port integrated with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.
India has recorded a 21% drop in tuberculosis incidence — from 237 to 187 cases per lakh population since 2015 — almost twice the global average, as highlighted in the WHO Global TB Report 2025.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the achievements of the campaign.
- Enhanced diagnosis and care through AI-based X-ray tools, NAAT testing, and Ni-kshay Poshan direct benefit transfers.
- Support from 6.77 lakh Ni-kshay Mitras, many of whom are young volunteers.
India now stands at the forefront of global TB elimination efforts with advanced molecular labs, extensive drug-resistant TB testing, and personalized treatment systems, bringing the nation closer to a TB-free India.
Banas Dairy and Bharatiya Beej Sahakari Samiti Limited (BBSSL) signed an MoU in New Delhi to develop a comprehensive seed-to-market potato value chain.
- Supports the goal of “Sahakar se Samriddhi” by empowering farmers.
- Improving agricultural value systems and promoting cooperative-led development.
- Combines Banas Dairy’s technical know-how with BBSSL’s seed production proficiency.
- Aims to provide disease-free seed potatoes, encourage scientific farming, promote contract cultivation, and widen market linkages.
- The model is expected to boost yields, raise farmer earnings, and potentially be replicated for other crops and cooperatives nationwide.
The Indian Air Force reached a significant milestone with the commissioning of the Mudh-Nyoma Air Force Station in Ladakh on 12 November 2025, inaugurated by Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, who landed a C-130J Super Hercules on its new 2.7-km runway.
- Situated 23 km from the LAC with China.
- At an elevation of 13,700 feet.
- Will enhance India’s air combat preparedness, high-altitude logistics, and surveillance capabilities.
- Constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) under a women-led team.
- This ₹218-crore project is part of India’s broader infrastructure strengthening along the India-China border post-2020 tensions.
The Defence Ministry finalized a ₹2,095 crore agreement with Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL) for supplying INVAR Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs) specifically designed for T-90 tanks.
- These laser-guided missiles will significantly enhance the Army’s precision strike capacity and mechanized warfare capabilities.
- The contract advances the goals of ‘Buy (Indian)’ procurement.
- Strengthens domestic defense manufacturing under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
The 22nd All India TDS Conference in Bhopal convened senior CBDT officials to evaluate the changes introduced by the Income Tax Act 2025, with a special focus on updated TDS guidelines.
- Encouraged voluntary compliance and greater transparency.
- Wider adoption of digital tools, such as automated systems and analytical platforms.
- Aims to reinforce India’s tax administration framework.
Indian cricket star Shafali Verma, a key performer in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 final, has been appointed the Brand Ambassador of the Haryana State Women’s Commission.
- She received a ₹1.5 crore award, along with a Grade A sports certificate.
- In her new role, she will champion initiatives related to women’s empowerment, gender equality, and increased female participation in sports across Haryana.
Belgium and the Netherlands will jointly host the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup from 15–30 August, featuring 16 men’s teams and 16 women’s teams under an updated dual-group format.
- Venues: Wavre (Belgium) and Amsterdam (Netherlands)
- The tournament will also witness the first-ever ParaHockey World Cup, highlighting inclusivity and broader global engagement.
💼 Business & Economy
Moody’s forecasts that India will remain the G-20’s fastest-growing economy through 2027, with the nation expected to record 7% GDP growth in 2025.
- Robust domestic consumption
- Strong infrastructure investments
- Diversified export performance
- A stable policy environment
The report underscores the role of a neutral-to-accommodative monetary stance by the RBI, along with resilient exports and consumption patterns, in positioning India as a major global growth driver amidst slowing economies worldwide.
South Korea’s Samhyun is set to establish a cutting-edge EV motor component plant in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, after acquiring 11 acres from Tata Chemicals, strengthening India’s EV manufacturing landscape.
- The facility will be backed by Samhyun’s capabilities in smart actuators, power units, and integrated motor systems.
- Helps boost local production and contributes to Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.
- Reinforces Tamil Nadu’s vision under its 2030 EV roadmap, strengthening the state’s position as a leading EV hub.
🌐 International News
The UAE has successfully completed its first Digital Dirham transaction in less than two minutes on 12 November 2025, marking a groundbreaking moment for the nation’s digital finance ecosystem.
- Issued by the Central Bank of the UAE.
- Forms part of the Financial Infrastructure Transformation (FIT) Programme.
- Offers secure, transparent, and real-time digital payment capabilities.
- The transaction, executed via the mBridge platform, reflects the UAE’s preparedness for next-generation financial systems.
US President Donald Trump approved a temporary funding measure that ended the 42-day government shutdown, the longest in American history.
- The shutdown stemmed from a dispute over funding for Obamacare subsidies.
- Democrats advocated for continued funding while Republicans opposed it.
- The resolution became possible after eight Democrat senators shifted their stance.
- Long-term federal budget challenges remain unresolved.
- The shutdown significantly impacted federal staff, the IRS, immigration visa processing, and national parks.
India and Nepal signed a Letter of Exchange (LoE) to broaden rail-based trade through the Jogbani–Biratnagar corridor, improving cargo flow, third-country trade linkages, and regional economic integration.
- Facilitates direct transportation of containerized and bulk cargo.
- Connects Nepal with major Indian ports such as Kolkata and Visakhapatnam, thereby expanding access to global markets.
- Aligns with India’s Neighbourhood First policy.
- Complements earlier cooperation projects, including Integrated Check Posts and India-assisted rail corridors.
🔬 Science & Technology
Godrej Aerospace has delivered the first human-rated Vikas engine for the L110 stage of the LVM-3 rocket, which will power India’s Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission.
- The engine meets high standards of safety, reliability, and performance, essential for missions involving astronauts.
- This progress brings India closer to executing its uncrewed missions in 2026 and crewed mission in 2027.
Highlights Godrej Aerospace’s long-standing contributions to major ISRO missions, including PSLV, GSLV, Chandrayaan, and Mangalyaan.
📅 Important Days
Janjatiya Gaurav Divas 2025 is observed on 15 November to honor Birsa Munda, the iconic tribal freedom fighter, and to acknowledge the role of tribal communities in India’s independence movement.
- Marks the 150th birth anniversary of Birsa Munda.
- Affectionately known as Dharti Aaba, he spearheaded the Ulgulan (Great Tumult) movement in 1899–1900 against British rule and feudal exploitation.
- The event is a major component of the Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh.
- Features nationwide celebrations such as tribal festivals, cultural showcases, and the establishment of 11 Tribal Freedom Fighters’ Museums across the country.
- Government introduced cultural preservation initiatives including Adi Sanskriti, Adi Vaani, and the Tribal Digital Repository.
🕊️ Obituaries
Renowned environmentalist Saalumarada Thimmakka, famous for planting 385 banyan trees, has died at the age of 114.
- She leaves behind a legacy rooted in sustainability, resilience, and community-driven ecological conservation.
- Honored with prestigious awards such as the Padma Shri.
- Her life story — transforming personal grief into a mission to nurture nature — made her an international symbol of the human–nature bond.
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